Strait of Hormuz blockade should continue says Iran's new Supreme Leader: Middle East conflict on 12 March
Iran should continue “blocking the Strait of Hormuz,” while the U....
Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr today, marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and charity. The two-day festival unites communities through traditions unique to each country.
Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, begins today, 30 March 2025, in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The celebration lasts for two days and is based on the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
The holiday begins with a special prayer, known as Salat al-Eid, performed in mosques or open prayer grounds. Before attending the prayer, it is customary to give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity aimed at supporting those in need so they can also take part in the celebrations.
Across the world, various customs accompany the holiday. In Indonesia and Malaysia, it is common for people to travel to their hometowns, a tradition known as mudik, to celebrate with family. In Türkiye, special desserts such as baklava and şekerpare are prepared and enjoyed, earning the holiday the name "Şeker Bayramı" (Sugar Feast). In Egypt and parts of the Middle East, the first day of Eid often includes gatherings in parks, where families share food and children receive Eidiya—money gifts from elders. In the United States and Europe, Muslim communities organise large prayer gatherings, charity events, and cultural festivities to mark the occasion.
Apart from feasting and social visits, Eid al-Fitr is also a time for acts of kindness, forgiveness, and strengthening relationships. Many people take the opportunity to resolve past conflicts, extend greetings to neighbours and colleagues, and increase their charitable giving. It is also common to visit the graves of loved ones, offering prayers for the deceased.
Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the exact date of Eid varies across countries. While some nations are celebrating today, others are set to begin their festivities tomorrow.
Beyond its joyful traditions, Eid al-Fitr carries a profound spiritual significance. It marks the completion of a month of fasting, self-discipline, and devotion, reminding Muslims of the values of gratitude, compassion, and unity.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
The U.S. should shut down its military bases in the Middle East, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday (12 March). His words were read out by a broadcaster on state Iranian television.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
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